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SULTANS OF FITNESS, THE BABY BOOMERS.

Baby boomers; anyone born between 1946-1964. Often associated with a rejection or redefinition of traditional values; however, many commentators have disputed the extent of that rejection, noting the widespread continuity of values with older and younger generations. In Europe and North America boomers are widely associated with privilege, as many grew up in a time of widespread government subsidies in post-war housing and education, and increasing affluence.

As a group, they were the wealthiest, most active, and most physically fit generation up to that time, and amongst the first to grow up genuinely expecting the world to improve with time. They were also the generation that received peak levels of income, therefore they could reap the benefits of abundant levels of food, apparel, retirement programs, and sometimes even “midlife crisis” products. And Baby Boomer fitness is becoming big business as well.

THE PITCH

Baby Boomers know the importance of exercise, pretty much the first generation to really kickstart physical activity for overall health. Think of all the fitness people in this generation; Fonda, Schwarzenegger, Farigno, Sergio, Columbo, Everson and the list goes on. This a generation that knows fitness. With all these legends and everyone else from this era well into their 60’s & 70’s Trainers and health clubs are realizing this is a niche that needs to be filled. And if you don’t another club will.

THE PROGRAM

Anytime you deal with older adults it is essential to be precise with program planning. The movements for older adults aren’t the same for other clients, which sounds like common sense but you’d be surprised. I am offering Baby Boomer Fitness as a group class at my gym Exercise Solutions RI, We will focus on core, balance, agilty, upper and lower body strength building and intermediate body weight exercises. The goal is to strengthen the muscular sysytem in a low resistance atmosphere. At this stage in life correcting bone desity issues is tough, but strengthening the bodies natural movements will better the quality of life for every individual. With that said older people are more mobile and active than the previous generation. Increasing golf scores and tennis movements is more the requests from a baby boomer. So if you own a club or studio and are looking for new programs or classes think about who started the fitness craze and then create a program for them. Its great business, lots of fun and more importantly you can learn a thing or two from anyone who lived in their generation.